Hacienda SURI Levante Guide for Puerto Rico Generators

If you are looking for a guide on the Hacienda SURI Levante process for Puerto Rico generator imports, this walkthrough will help you pay the IVU tax and release your freight.

In Puerto Rico, the Sales and Use Tax (IVU) is a consumption tax governed by the Puerto Rico Internal Revenue Code. For imported goods, the Department of Hacienda enforces Puerto Rico’s 11.5% IVU tax rate, which consists of a 10.5% state tax and a 1.0% municipal tax. When importing residential power equipment like inverter generators or power stations, the tax is calculated based on the commercial invoice value and must be cleared online before your cargo can be released from the port.

Every item imported via ocean freight is subject to this tax. Until it is paid, your equipment is legally trapped at the port in San Juan. To get it released, you need a clearance document called the Levante.

At PR Electric Direct, we handle all the maritime logistics, but the IVU tax is assessed directly to you, the importer. Here is exactly how to navigate the SURI portal to generate your Levante document without delays. If you are preparing for hurricane season, be sure to check our 2026 hurricane season guide to understand delivery windows.

Step 1: Create or Access Your SURI Account

You cannot pay the tax as a “guest”. You must have an active account on the official SURI portal, which is the online platform for the Unified Internal Revenue System (SURI) managed by the Department of Hacienda.

• If you are an individual: Log in using your Social Security Number (SSN).
• If you are a business: Log in using your Employer Identification Number (EIN).

Note: This is why we require your ID/EIN during our Secure Intake process—the maritime carrier must link your exact SURI identity to the shipping manifest.

Step 2: Locate the Pending Declaration

Once the ship arrives in San Juan, the maritime carrier electronically transmits the manifest to Hacienda.

1. Log into your SURI dashboard.
2. Look for the Declarations or Imports tab.
3. You will see a pending declaration matching the tracking number we provided you.

Step 3: Verify the Value and Pay the IVU

Hacienda assesses the tax based on the commercial invoice value (what you paid PR Electric Direct for the generator).

1. Click on the pending declaration.
2. Verify that the declared value matches your receipt.
3. The system will automatically calculate the 11.5% IVU tax.
4. Proceed to checkout and pay the tax directly through the portal using a bank account or credit card.

Step 4: Download the Levante Document

The moment your payment clears, Hacienda authorizes the release of the cargo.

1. Return to the declaration screen.
2. You will now see an option to Print Levante or Download Levante.
3. Download this PDF document immediately.

Step 5: Send the Levante to Us

The port authority will not let a truck leave with your generator without seeing the Levante document.

• Download the PDF and email it directly to us at prelectricdirect.com.
• Once we have the Levante, we will coordinate everything with the carrier ensuring smooth delivery to your home.
• Before you order: Use our Generator Sizing Calculator to determine the right unit size for your home.
• Apartment buyers: If you are ordering a solar battery station for a condo, make sure to read our Apartment Power Station Guide to understand battery capacity limits and balcony usage restrictions.

⚠ Do Not Delay Your Levante

Ocean ports like the port of San Juan charge daily storage fees (demurrage) if cargo sits unclaimed. You generally have a 3-5 day grace period after the ship arrives to pay the tax and present the Levante. We notify you the moment the manifest is uploaded to SURI so you can act immediately.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What if I don’t have a SURI account?

If you don’t have an account, you must register before your cargo arrives. Individuals can sign up on the official SURI portal using their Social Security Number, while businesses require an Employer Identification Number. Detailed registration guidelines are available on the Department of Hacienda SURI registration page.

What is the penalty for late Levante?

Hacienda does not charge an immediate penalty, but the ocean terminal at the port of San Juan will charge daily storage fees (demurrage) if your generator is not cleared within the grace period (typically 3 to 5 days after the vessel completes unloading). These fees accumulate quickly, so we recommend generating your Levante within 24 hours of notification.